Bethel steps closer to title
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FEDERAL WAY - Corey Belser and Duane Barnes believe Bethel can make it back to the Tacoma Dome for another run at the Class 4A state boys basketball title.
The dynamic duo will never forget last year's wild ride, which didn't end until the Braves lost to Foss in the championship game.
"You can't even describe what it feels like," Belser said.
Both Bethel seniors were feeling it last night as the Braves took another step toward the playoffs with an 83-66 victory over Federal Way. Belser, a 6-6 guard who has signed with San Diego, scored 13 of his 24 points in the first quarter and Barnes, a 6-2 guard headed for Florida Atlantic University, delivered 13 of his 27 in the fourth as the Braves (10-2, 12-4) remained in position to repeat as South Puget Sound League South Division champions.
Barnes said he still relishes the memories of last year's state tournament.
"It's the highest achievement you can do," he said of playing in the title game. "It's everybody's dream. I still dream about it."
Federal Way (8-6, 10-6) is still dreaming about getting back to the playoffs after a two-year drought, despite back-to-back losses to Rogers and Bethel. The Eagles led Bethel 39-36 after opening the second half with an 11-3 run (the Braves' lone points coming on a Belser three-pointer), but Bethel answered with a 10-0 spurt and never looked back. It was 50-46 early in the fourth when Barnes started an 11-2 spree that put the Braves in control for good.
"We just lost containment on Barnes," Federal Way Coach Jerome Collins said. "That kid's a heck of an athlete."
He proved that with a rousing dunk in the final minute, showing his springs, and also finished with four rebounds, four assists, three steals and one blocked shot. Belser did more than score, too, contributing eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and three blocks. He also played some solid defense on Tui Avaava, who still managed to finish with a team-high 22 points. Virgil Matthews added 20 and Teddy Williams chipped in 10.
Other boys games
At Kentridge 56, Auburn 41 -- Senior forward Jason Ellis powered Kentridge with 15 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 blocked shots as the Chargers (11-2, 12-5) pulled away in the second half. Mike Torbenson had 11 points for Auburn (1-11, 1-6).
At Decatur 80, Rogers 60 -- Niko Nunogawa posted 20 of his game-high 28 points in the first half to push the Gators (8-5, 10-7) to a 39-31 lead and the victory over the Rams (8-5, 10-7). Decatur received eight assists from Christian Schulze and 12 points from Alonzo Akres' four three-pointers.
At Kent-Meridian 66, Kentlake 53 -- Ryan Brown's breakaway dunk early in the fourth quarter turned the game K-M's way. Trailing by five after three quarters, the Royals outscored Kentlake 30-12. Kevin Sylvan led Kent-Meridian (6-8, 9-7) with 23 points and Brown added 13 rebounds. Matt Cole scored 12 points and Chris Jordan 11 for Kentlake (5-8, 9-9).
Auburn Riverside 68, at Kentwood 65 -- Josh Walker scored 10 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter as the Ravens (5-9, 7-9) rallied from an eight-point deficit. Brian Scissons added 15 points for the winners. Chris Lynn, who led Kentwood (8-5, 11-6) with 15 points, had eight assists and five steals.
At Sumner 52, Tahoma 46 -- Sean Russell's 17 points and Ryan Mullooly's career-high 15 helped the Spartans (6-8, 7-10) avenge a four-overtime loss to the Bears on Dec. 21. Mullooly was 4 for 4 from the field, including three three-pointers, and also 4 for 4 at the foul line, grabbed seven rebounds and had six assists. Connor Dillon had 14 points and Westin Butt 12 for Tahoma (6-7, 10-7).
At Foster 64, Chimacum 62 -- Trailing by 18 at halftime, Chimacum roared back to trail by two after Steve Alm's layup with 25 seconds to go in the Nisqually League game. Foster missed two free throws, but Chimacum's Cody Huntingford missed a baseline jumper as time ran out. Vince Pelagio scored 27 points for Foster (5-2, 11-6). Huntingford made seven three-pointers and scored 25 points for Chimacum (3-4).